Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors to a device



May 31, 1966 w. M. BALDWIN, JR., ETAL 3,253,761

APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING AND SECURING CONDUCTORS TO A DEVICE Filed July 7, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet l lNl/ENTORS Q 14. M BALDW/MJR Q RJ. CERNV RS. ELL/0T7 s i W 9 3 ATTORNEY May 31, 1966 w. M. BALDWIN, JR.. ETAL 3,253,761

APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING AND SECURING CONDUCTORS TO A DEVICE Filed July 7, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 y 1966 w. M. BALDWIN, JR, ETAL 3,253,761

APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING AND SECURING CONDUCTORS TO A DEVICE 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 7, 1964 May 31, 1966 w. M. BALDWIN, JR., ETAL 3,253,761

APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING AND SECURING CONDUCTORS TO A DEVICE Filed July 7, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 4 FIG. 7 7

May 31, 1966 w. M. BALDWIN, JR.. ETAL 3,253,761

APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING AND SECURING CONDUCTORS TO A DEVICE Filed July '7, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 May 31, 1966 APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING AND SECURING CONDUCTORS TO A DEVICE Filed July 7, 1964 W. M. BALDWIN, JR, ETAL 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 POWER SUPPLY FIG. /0

/3(,b L39 37 I 5 CLUTCH c 5 g ciUfEzi-T as CONTROL /4; /42 Hh H/ T O C b I /42a equipment.

United States Patent 3,253,761 APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING AND SECURING CGNDUCTORS TO A DEVICE William M. Baldwin, In, Dundalk, Rudolph J. Cerny,

Tirnonium, and Ray S. Elliott, Baltimore, Md., assignors to Western Electric Company Incorporated, New

York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed July 7, 1964, Ser. No. 380,883

12 Claims. (Cl. 228-41) secured to the terminals to facilitate the assembly and connection of the connector with various types of such Mass demand for such connectors having conductors secured therewith has created a problem wherein each individual precut conductor was manually assembled and singly soldered with the individual terminals of the connector. This effort was time-consuming as well as costly.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide new and improved apparatus for assembling and securing conductors with a device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for facilitating manual assembly of a complete array of a plurality of precut coded conductors with a corresponding plurality of connector terminals and thereafter securing the assembled conductors with the terminals.

With these and other objects in view, the present invention contemplates an apparatus which includes a movable means for receiving and supporting connectors for assembly with a plurality of precut coded conductors. In addition, means are provided for moving the support means adjacent a securing means, whereby the assembled conductors are secured with connector terminations subsequent to the assembly operation and during a selected interval.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial front view showing apparatus of the invention including a supporting frame with a rotatable bed, a conductor supply and a soldering device;

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view showing various aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial top view showing a nest supporting a connector for assembly with a plurality of conductors;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 3 showing the connector-receiving nest;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing partially the plurality of conductors assembled with the nested connectorg' FIG. 6 is a sectional front view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 2 showing an actuating device for initiating the operation of soldering the conductors with the connector subsequent to the assembly operation;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the actuating device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the connector having a plurality of precut, coded conductors assembled and secured with terminals thereof;

FIG. 9 is a view taken along lines 99 of FIG. 2 showing a detent mechanism for engaging and locking the rotatable bed in a desired position during the soldering operation, and

3,253,761 Patented May 31, 1966 ice FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of an electrical control circuit for controlling operation of the various elements of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, a completed product 11 includes a device such as a connector 12 composed of an insulating material 13, substantially enclosed within-a metallic band 14 having a flange 15 which extends from opposite ends thereof. The insulating material 13 is formed with a terminal-supporting structure 16 having cutouts 17 on opposite sides thereof for supporting U-shaped terminations 18 of a plurality of spaced terminals which extend through the connector. The opposite side of each terminal (not shown) is supported by the insulating material 13 which is surrounded by the metallic band 14 and is adapted to receive a plug termination of another circuit. Various precut lengths of insulated, prestripped, coded conductors 19 are individually assembled, with respective U-shaped terminations 18 of the terminals on opposite sides of terminal-supporting structure 16 and 'are subsequently secured with the terminations by a solder 21.

Referring to FIG. 1, a support frame 22 is provided with a centrally supported, fixed shaft for supporting a rotary bed 23 which is provided with a gear 24 on the underside thereof. A continuously-operating, driving motor 26 is supported by the frame 22 and drives a gear 27 through an electrically controlled clutch 28. A shaft 29 is supported for rotation by the frame 22 and is provided with a gear 31 at one end thereof which is driven by the gear 27 and is provided with a gear 32 at the opposite end thereof which drives the bed gear 24, thereby provida rotating driving force for the bed 23. In addition, a plurality of rollermountings 33 are fastened to the frame 22 wherein the mountings support rollers 34 which are positioned within a track 36 formed on the underside of the bed 23. In this manner, the outer edge of the bed 23 is guidingly supported by the rollers 34. As further shown in FIG. 1 and also in FIG. 2, a plurality of work stations are provided with connector and conductor-receiving nests, generally designated by the reference numeral 37, and are supported on the upper surface of the rotating bed 23 adjacent the periphery thereof. Further, a pair of conductor-supply containers, generally designated by the reference numeral 38, are supported for rotation on the upper end of the fixed shaft 39. Each container 38 is provided with a plurality of bins 41 for receiving a plurality of each of various available types of precut, prestripped, color-coded conductors 19. In addition, each container 38 is provided with a spring-loaded detent (not shown) which extends beneath the container and engages a plate 42 having a series of detent-engaging depressions formed in the upper surface thereof. In this manner,

each container 38 can be manually rotated and held in adesired position by the detent arrangement during a period when no outside force is exerted upon the container. As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a soldering device, generally designated by the reference numeral 43, is supported by a vertical stand 44 adjacent the frame 22 and is positioned for depositing molten solder onto the assembled conductors 19 and U-shaped terminations 18 of the connectors 12. It is noted that the soldering device 43 is substantially similar to the soldering device disclosed in copending application in the names of G. P. Adams-H. E. Brent, Serial No. 153,053, filed November 17, 1961, wherein a detailed description of the soldering device may be reviewed.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the nest 37 at each work station is provided with a support platform 46 which is fastened to the upper surface of the rotatable bed 23. A first pair of spaced pins 47 and 48 extend upwardly from the upper surface of the platform 46 and a second pair of similarly spaced pins 49 and 51, which are spaced from the first pair of rods, extends upward-1y in the same general planes from another portion of the upper surface of the platform 46. In addition, the platform 46 is formed with a pair of apertures 52 and 53 for receiving therethrougha pair of spring-loaded plungers 54 and 56, respectively, wherein the plungers are secured to the rotatable bed 23. The platform 46 further supports a third pair of relatively widely spaced pins 57 and 58 which extend vertically from the upper surface of the platform. A conductor support rod 59 is formed with apertures adjacent opposite ends thereof to facilitate the positioning of the rod onto the widely spaced rods 57 and 58, whereby the rod is supported above the platform 46. A conductor retainer spring 61 is coaxially positioned about an intermediate portion of the rod 59 and is fastened at opposite ends thereof to the rod. In addition, the rod 59 is formed with flats 62 on opposite portions of the periphery thereof to facilitate the positioning and gripping of the insulated conductors 19 between convolutions of the retainer spring 61. As further shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the flanged ends of the connector 12 are positioned between the respective pairs of pins 47, 48 and 49, 51 and rest upon the spring-loaded plungers 54 and 56. Thereafter, the operator positions the insulated conductors between adjacent convolutions of the spring 61 so that exposed portions of the conductor ends rest within the U-shaped terminations 18 of the terminals as particularly viewed in FIG. 5.

As the rotatable bed 23 is rotated by the motor 26, the operator stands at a loading and unloading position and positions one of the connectors 12 and one of the rods 59 in each nest 37. Subsequently, the operator removes a plurality of identically coded, prestripped, insulated conductors 19 from one of the bins 41 of the conductor supply containers 38 and thereafter one of the selected conductors 19 is positioned in each nest 37 between adjacent convolutions of the spring 61 so that the exposed conductor end rests within the U-shaped termination 18 of a selected terminal of the connector 12. -It is particularly noted that the conductors having identical color coding rest in the same common position of each nest 37. After the operator has positioned a conductor 19 of a given color code in a common position of the nest 37 at each work station, a second group of conductors 19 having an identical color coding are selected and removed from one of the bins 41 of the supply containers 38. Thereafter, one of the second selected group of color coded conductors 19 is placed in each nest 37 in a common position, whereby the exposed ends of the conductors rest within the U- shaped terminations 18 of selected terminals of the connector 12. This procedure is continued until exposed ends of different color coded insulated conductors 19 are positioned ineach U-shaped termination 18 of the terminals of the connector 12 resting in each nest 37.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, a slide support 63 is formed with flanged edges 64, wherein the edges are secured to a port-ion of the underside of the rotatable bed 23. way 66 for receiving and supporting therein a slide 67. The underside of the slide 67 supports an extension 68 having switch-actuating, inclined surfaces 69 and 71. In addition, the upper surface of the slide 67 is formed with a threaded opening 72 for threadedly receiving a rod 73 having a handle 74 on the free end thereof. The rod 73 extends through a slot 76 formed in the support 63 and a slot 77 formed in the rotatable bed 23. As particularly viewed in FIG. 7, one end of the slide 67 is formed with a reduced shoulder 78 for supporting a camming roller 79. vIt is noted that during the operation of assembling the different color coded conductors between adjacent convolutions of the retainer spring 61 at each nest 37, the rod 73 is resting in a rearward position within the slot 76 as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 7, thereby positioning the camming roller 79 and the inclined surface 69 radially and inwardly from the periphery of the rotatable bed Subsequent to the assembly of different color coded in- In addition, the support 63 is formed with a guide- 1 sulated conductors 19 at the nest 37 of each work station, the operator grips the handle 74 and pulls the handle and the rod 73 radially toward the periphery of the rotatable bed 23, thereby moving the slide 67 toward the bed periphery. It is noted that the slide support 63 also supports a spring-loaded plunger 80 (FIG. 6) which is positioned for engaging depressions formed along one surface of the slide 67, thereby facilitating proper positioning and supporting of the slide at the different positions. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, as the bed 23 continues to rotate, a switch 81, fixedly supported to the frame 22 beneath the bed, is engaged by the inclined surface 69 of the slide support extension 68, thereby conditioning an electrical control circuit (FIG. 10) for the initiation of subsequent soldering operations, whereby the exposed ends of the assembling conductors 19 are soldered within the U-shaped portions 18 of the terminals of the connector 12. -In the event it is desirable to rotate the bed 23 in the reverse direction, the inclined surface 71 may engage the switch 81, thereby precluding damage to the switch on the reverse movement of the bed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the periphery of the rotatable bed 23 is formed with a plurality of spaced, arcuately shaped notches 82 at each work station adjacent each nest 37. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, an actuating pin '83 is suspended from the rotatable bed 23 adjacent each notch 82. A switch 84 is fixedly positioned on the table 22 and is provided with an actuator for engaging each pin 83 as the rotatable bed 23 is rotated. During the period when the operator is assembling the connector 12 and the conductors 19 in the nest 37, successive engagement of the pins 83 with the switch 84 has no effect upon the con tinued bed rotation. Subsequent to the closing of the switch 81 by the engagement of the inclined surface 69 with the actuator of the switch, each successive closing of the switch 84 initiates a soldering operation, whereby the clutch 2-8 disengages the driving force of the motor 26 from the bed gear 24 so that rotatable bed 23 ceases to rotate. In addition, as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 9, a bed centering and locking detent, generally designated by the reference numeral 86, is operated to assure proper positioning of the bed for the soldering operation. Thus, indexing of the bed 23 is initiated subsequent to the compleuon of the assembly operation to facilitate the solderrng of the exposed conductor ends with the terminations 18 of the connectors 12.

The bed centering and locking detent 86, as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 9, includes a pair of spaced blocks 87 and 88 which are fixedly secured to a platform 89 supported on a vertical stand 91. It is noted that the vertical stand 91, as viewed in FIG. 1, is positioned adjacent the frame 22 to facilitate engagement of the centering and locking detent 86 with't'he bed 23. A rod 92 is slideably positioned within aligned apertures formed within the spaced blocks 87 and 88. The end of the rod 92 adjacent the block 88 is formed with a support head 93 for rotatably supporting a detent roller 94. The opposite end of the rod 92 is threaded to receive a pair of locking nuts 96. A spring support plate 97 is positioned about the threaded end of the rod 92 between the nuts 96 and can be adjustably positioned to receive common ends of a pair of tension springs 98. The opposite ends of the springs 98 are secured to a pair of pins 99 which extend from opposite sides of the fixed block 88. It is noted that the biasing action of the two springs 98 normally urges the rod 92 toward the periphery Olf the bed 23, whereby the roller 94 engages and rests in the respective notches 82. In addition, the threaded end of the rod 92 is provided with a knob 101 to facilitate manual positioning of the rod and the roller 94. As shown in FIG. 9, a doubleacting air cylinder 102 is provided with a piston rod 103. A linking arm 104, which extends through a slot 106 formed in the platform 89, is secured at one end thereof to the underside of an intermediate portion of the rod 92 while the opposite end extends through a slot 105 formed in an extension 110 of the piston rod 103. During the assembly operation wherein the conductors 19 are assembled in the nest 37 of each work station as previously discussed, a solenoid 107 which is normally in a deactuated condition as viewed in FIG; 2, retains a spring-biased valve 108 in a given position, whereby pressure is applied to one side of the air cylinder 102 to retain the piston rod 103 withdrawn within the cylinder, thereby retaining the rod 92 within the blocks 87 and 88 away from the periphery of the rotatable bed 23. In this manner, the biasing action of the springs 98 is precluded from urging the rod 92 toward the bed 23, thereby facilitating the retention of the roller 94 from engagement with the bed and the notches 82 during the assembly operation. As the switch 84 is successively closed due to engagement with successive pins 83, the solenoid 107 is successively actuated to position the valve 108, whereby pressure is applied to the opposite side of the double-acting air cylinder 102 to move the piston rod 103 outwardly from the cylinder. As the piston rod 103 is moved outwardly from the cylinder, the slot 105 of the piston rod extension 110 is moved to the right as viewed in FIG. 9 where, due to the biasing action of the springs 98, the rod 92 slides through the blocks 87 and 88 toward the periphery of the rotatable bed 23. Thereafter, the roller 94 engages one of the peripheral notches 82 to align and lock the bed 23 in a proper position for a subsequent soldering operation. Subsequent to the positioning of the roller 94 within one of the notches 82, the biasing action of the springs 98 insures the retention of the roller within the respective notch.

As viewed in FIGS. 2 and 9, an actuator arm 109 is secured to and extends from an intermediate portion of the rod 92 where, upon movement of the rod toward the periphery of the bed 23, the actuator arm engages and momentarily closes a pulse switch 111 to facilitate the initiation of the soldering operation. As the pulse switch 111 is momentarily closed, a solenoid 112, as viewed in FIG. 2, is actuated to position a valve 113, whereby pressure is applied to one side of a double-acting air cylinder 114 to initiate the soldering operation. As previously discussed, a detailed description of the soldering facilities may be reviewed in the pending application filed in the names of G. P. Adams and H. E. Brent. The soldering device 43 includes a pair of spaced vertical plates 117 which support a pair of spaced horizontal support arms 118 (FIG. 2). The extended ends of the arms 118 sup port a guide roller 119 therebetween having spaced circumferential grooves therein for guiding a plurality of strands of solder 121 extending from a solder supply (not shown). A solder advance housing 122 is pivotally sunported between and beneath the extended portions of the spaced arms 118 and is supported by an arm 123 which is pivotally secured between the spaced vertical plates 117. In addition, a soldering bar 124 is supported on the free end of an arm 126 which extends from between the spaced vertical plates 117 and is pivotally secured thereto. As the pulse switch 111 is momentarily closed, the air cylinder 114 is moved to pivot the housing 122 and the soldering bar 124 downwardly, whereby mechanism within the housing advances suflicient portions of the leading ends of the strands of solder 121 between the downwardly pivoting soldering bar and the assembled exposed free ends of the conductors 19 resting within the U-shaped terminations 18 of the terminals of the connector 12. Thereafter, the soldering bar 124, which is heated by a separate source (not shown), swipes the advanced leading ends of the solder strands 121, melts the solder to a molten state and deposits the molten solder onto the individually assembled conductor ends and the U-shaped terminations 18. Subsequent to a predetermined dwell period, a solenoid 127 is actuated to position the valve 113, whereby the air cylinder 114 is moved in the reverse direction to withdraw the soldering bar 124 and the solder advance housing 122. Subsequently, the solenoid 107 is deactuated to position the valve 108, whereby the air cylinder 102, as shown in FIG. 9, is operated to slide the rod 92 in the blocks 87 and 88 away from the periphery of the bed 23, thereby withdrawing the roller 94 from engagement with one of the notches 82. In addition, the clutch 28 is actuated to couple the driving force of the motor 26 to the bed gear 24, thereby initiating the rotation of the bed. As the next successive pin 83 engages the switch 84, the clutch 28 is disengaged and the bed centering and locking detent 86 is operated, whereafter the solder mechanism 43 is operated to facilitate another soldering operation. As successive soldering operations are completed, the bed 23 is indexed, whereby the camming roller 79 of the slide 67 engages a camming bar 128 to urge the slide radially away from the periphery of the bed, thereby moving the extension 68 with the inclined camming surfaces 69 and 71 radially inwardly from the bed periphery. In addition, it is noted that the rod 73 moves to the rearward position'within the slot 76, as shown in FIG. 7. Upon the completion of the soldering of the exposed ends of the conductors 19 with the U-shaped terminations 18 of the connector terminals in the nest 37 at each work station, the bed 23 has been indexed through a complete revolution and the inclined camming surface 69 engages a switch 129 fixedly mounted on the table 22 beneath the bed, whereby the electrical control circuit (FIG. 10) is released to preclude further soldering operations upon rotational movement of the bed 23. As the bed 23 continues to rotate, the operator at the loading and unloading position removes the completed assembly from the nests 37 at each work station, whereby the assembly includes the connector 12, the soldered conductors 19 on one side of the terminal-supporting structure 16 and the rod 59 with the conductors retained between adjacent convolutions of the spring 61. The operator thereafter inverts each removed assembly and repositions the assembly within-the nest 37 of the respective work stations, whereby-the opposite side of the terminal-supporting struc ture 16 of the connector 12 is exposed to receive exposed ends of the conductors 19 in the same manner as previously discussed. Subsequently, the assembly and soldering operation is completed and the operator removes the completed product 11 (FIG. 8) with the rod 59 and the spring 61 retained thereto. The operator thereafter strips the rod 59 from the product 11.

As shown in FIG. 10, the electrical control circuit includes a power supply 131 connected through an operate switch 132 to potential lines 133 and 134 for providing operating potential for the various control elements of the apparatus. The motor 26 is connected between the potential lines 133 and 134 and operates continuously upon the closing of switch 132. The clutch 28 and a clutch control 135 are connected in series with a contact 1360 of a table stop relay 136, a normally closed tableoperate post magnetic switch 137, which opens upon downward movement of the solder advance housing 122, a normally closed foot-operated switch 138 and a manually controlled table on-otf switch 139 wherein the series connected elements are connected between the potential lines 133 and 134. Hence, upon the closing of the operate switch 132' and assuming the switches 137, 138 and 139 are in the closed. position, operate potential is applied to the motor 26 and the clutch 28 and clutch control 135 for rotating the bed 23. As the bed 23 rotates, the operator positions one of the connectors 12 in the nest 37 of each work station as previously discussed. It is noted that the post magnetic switch responds to a magnetic slug (not shown) mounted on the solder advance housing 122, whereby the switch is operated as the slug passes adjacent thereto. In the event the rotation of the bed 23 is too rapid to facilitate the proper positioning of the connectors 12 in the nests 37 of each work station, the operator can depress the foot-operated switch 138 to release the clutch 28 through the clutch control 135, whereby the bed ceases to rotate so that the operator may now position the connectors in the nests before releasing the [foot-operated switch. In addition, it is noted that the rotational speed of the motor 26 may be varied to accommodate the capabilities of the operator.

Subsequent to the positioning of one of the connectors 12 in the nests 37 of each work station and the further positioning of the different color coded conductors 19 in the nests 37, as previously discussed, the operator grips the handle 73 and moves the slide 67 toward the periphery of the bed. Thereafter, the inclined surface 69 engages and momentarily closes the switch 81 so that operating potential is applied to a conditioning relay 141, thereby closing associated contacts 141a and 14111. As contact 141a is closed, a locking circuit for the relay 141 is completed which includes the potential line 133, relay 141, closed contact 141a, the normally closed switch 129 and the potential line 134. Upon continued rotation of the bed 23, successive pins 83 engage and momentarily close the normally open switch 84, whereby operating potential is applied to the table stop relay 136 through a path which includes the potential line 133, the relay 136, a normally closed contact 136a, closed contact 14117, the momentarily closed switch 84 and the potential line 134. It is noted that the contact 13611 of the relay 136 is delayed from opening for a selected period by a time delay device (not shown) which is actuated by the operation of the relay, whereby a bellowscontrolled arm precludes instantaneous opening of the contact. In addition, the normally closed contact 1360 is instantaneously opened to remove the operating potential from the clutch 28 and the clutch control 135, whereby the bed 23 ceases to rotate. Upon the momentary closing of the switch 84 and, in addition to the operation of the relay 136, the solenoid 107 is actuated to position the valve 108, whereby operating pressure reverses the operation of the air cylinder 102 so that the roller 94 is urged into one of the notches 82 as previously discussed. Thus, the biasing action of the springs 98 urges the rod 92 through the blocks 87 and 88 and retains the centering roller 94 in the opposed notch 82 to facilitate proper positioning and locking of the bed 23 for the subsequent soldering operation. As the relay 136 is operated, an associated contact 136b is closed to provide a locking circuit for the relay and the solenoid 107 after the momentarily closed switch 84 is opened.

As the rod 92 is urged toward the periphery of the bed 23, the normally open pulse switch 111 is momentarily closed to actuate the solenoid 112 through a path which includes the potential line 133, the solenoid 112, a normally closed contact 14212 of a solder control relay 142, the closed contact 111 and the potential line 134. As previously discussed, the actuation of the solenoid 112 facilitates the application of pressure to one side of the double-acting air cylinder 114, whereby the solder advance housing 122 and the soldering bar 124 are pivoted downwardly for the soldering operation. As the solder advance housing 122 is pivoted downwardly, a post magnetic switch 143 responds to the passage of a magnetic slug (not shown) mounted on the housing and the switch is closed, whereby operating potential is applied to the solder control relay 142, thereby opening the contact 1421). A normally open contact 142a, associated with the relay 142, is precluded from closing instantaneously by a relay-actuated, bellows-controlled time delay device, whereby the soldering bar 124 dwells in the solder position for a predetermined period of time. After a predetermined period as controlled by the time delay device, the associated contact 142a is closed to actuate the solenoid 127, thereby facilitating the pivotal withdrawal of the solder advance housing 122 and the soldering bar 124. As previously noted, as the solder advance housing 122 approaches a solder position, the post magnetic switch 137 is opened to preclude the possibility of operation of the clutch 28 and the clutch control during the soldering operation. As the solder advance housing 122 is pivoted upwardly to a rest position, the post magnetic switch 137 closes to condition the circuit for a subsequent operation of the clutch28 and the clutch control 135 and further opens the post magnetic switch 143 to remove the operating potential from the relay 142, thereby conditioning the solder control circuit for a subsequent soldering operation. After a predetermined period of time, which exceeds the solder dwell time, the normally closed, delayed contact 136a is opened to remove the operating potential from the relay 136, thereby opening contact 13Gb. In this manner, the actuating potential is removed from the solenoid 107 to facilitate the application of pressure to the opposite side of the air cylinder 102, whereby the centering roller 94 is withdrawn from engagement with one of the peripheral notches 82 of the bed 23. In addition, the contact 1360 is closed to facilitate the application of operating potential to the clutch 28 and the clutch control 135, whereby rotational force is coupled to the bed 23 until the next successive pin 83 engages and momentarily closes the switch 84. At this time, another soldering cycle is initiated and the circuit operation is identical to the operation as previously discussed. Successive indexing of the bed 23 positions the camm-ing roller 79 into engagement with the carnrning bar 128, whereby the slide 67 is urged inwardly away from the periphery of the bed. Upon completion of the entire soldering operation, the inclined surface 69 subsequently engages and momentarily opens the solder operation release switch 129, thereby releasing the locking circuit for the relay 141. In this manner, the contacts 141a and 141b are opened, whereby subsequent engagement of the pins 83 with the switch 84 do not effect the initiation of a soldering operation, thereby facilitating the continued removal of the completed assemblies and the loading of connectors 12 and conductors 19 with the nest 37 of each work station for subsequent soldering operations. Upon the completion of the assembly and soldering of the conductors with the U-shaped terminations 18 of the connector 12, the shaft 59 with the conductor-retaining spring 61 is removed from the nest 37 of each work station with the completed product 11 and is thereafter stripped from the product for use in a subsequent assembly and soldering operation.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are simply illustrative of the principles of the invention. Other arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art which will embody the principles of the invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors to a device, which comprises:

means for receiving a plurality of conductors and devices with exposed conductor ends resting in terminations of the devices,

movable means for supporting the receiving means,

means adjacent the supporting means for securing the assembled conductor ends with the terminations, means secured to the supporting means for periodically actuating the securing means,

manually adjustable means secured to the supporting means for rendering effective the actuating means during a selected interval,

means for moving the supporting means, whereby the receiving means is moved adjacent the securing means and the rendering and actuating means are moved, and

means responsive to the movement of the actuating means during the selected interval for periodically operating the securing means during the interval.

2. Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors to a device, which comprises:

a plurality of means for individually receiving a plurality of conductors and devices With exposed conductor ends resting in terminations of the devices,

movable means for support-ing the receiving means,

means adjacent the supporting means for successively engaging and locking the supporting means in se lected positions,

means adjacent the supporting means for securing the assembled conductor ends with theterminations at each receiving means,

means secured to the supporting means for periodically actuating the locking means,

means secured to the supporting means for rendering effective the actuating means during a selected interval,

means for moving the supporting means, whereby the receiving means is moved adjacent the securing means and the rendering and actuating means are moved,

means responsive to selective movement of the rendering means for conditioning the actuating means for operation during the selected interval,

means responsive to movement of the actuating means subsequent to the selective movement of 'the rendering means for periodically operating the locking means, and

means responsive to the periodical operation of the locking means for operating the securing means.

3.-Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors to a connector, which comprises:

a support, a movable bed mounted on the support,

a plurality of connector and conductor-receiving nests spacially positioned atop the bed, an adjustable cam actuator secured to the bed,

' means adjacent the bed for securing the conductors with the connector terminations at each nest,

means for moving the bed, and

means responsive to selective positioning and movement of the actuator for periodically operating the-securing means.

4. Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors to a connector, which comprises: a support,

a movable bed mounted on the support,

a plurality of connector and conductor-receiving nests specially positioned atop the bed for individually receiving exposed conductor ends assembled in connector terminations,

A 'a plurality of notches formed in the periphery of the means responsive to movement of the bed during a selected interval for successively removing the bed moving means from engagement with the bed and for successively operating the bed locking means into successive engagement with the notches, whereby the nests on the bed are successively positioned adjacent the securing means for successive securing operations,

means responsive to the movement of the locking means during the selected interval for successively operating the securing means, whereby the exposed conductor ends at each nest are secured with terminations of the connector in the nest, and

means responsive to selective'positioning and movement of the cam actuator for initiating the selected interval wherein the responsive means for succes sively removing the bed moving means, successively operating the locking means and successively operating the securing means are operated. 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the locking means includes:

a pair of spaced support blocks,

a rod slideably supported by the blocks,

a roller secured at one end thereof for engagement with the respective bed notches, and

means for moving the rod.

6. Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors to a connector, which comprises:

- means responsive to movement of the bed during a selected interval for successively removing the bed moving means from engagement with the bed and for the locking means, whereby the nests on the bed are successively positioned adjacent the securing means for successive securing operations,

means responsive to the movement of the locking means during the selected interval for successively operating the securing means, whereby the exposed conductor ends at each nest are secured, with terminations of the connector in the nest, and

means responsive to selective positioning and movement of the cam actuator for initiating the selected interval wherein the responsive means for successively removing the bed moving means, successively operating the locking means, and successively operating the securing means are operated.

7. Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors to 'a connector, which comprises:

a support, a movable bed mounted on the support, means for moving the bed, aplurality of connector and conductor-receiving nests spacially positioned atop the bed for individually receiving the exposed conductor ends assembled in connector terminations, adjustable cam actuator secured to the bed means for moving the bed, means 'for locking the bed in selectedapositions, means for securing the exposed conductor ends to the connector at each nest during periods when the bed is locked by the locking means, an electrical circuit actuated upon movement of the bed during a selected interval for controlling disengagement of the moving means from engagement with the bed, an electrical circuit actuated upon movement of the bed during the selected interval of the locking means, an electrical circuit actuated upon operation of the locking means for controlling operation of the securing means, and an electrical conditioning circuit actuated by the cam actuator subsequent to selective positioning of the actuator and upon movement of the bed for initiating and controlling the selected interval, whereby the electrical control circuits are conditioned for operation during the selected interval. 8. Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors to a connector, which comprises:

a support,

a movable bed mounted on the support,

means for moving the bed,

a plurality of connector and conductor-receiving nests spacially positioned atop the bed for individually receiving the exposed conductor ends assembled in connector terminations,

means for locking the bed in selected positions,

means for securing the exposed conductor ends to the connector at each nest during periods when the bed is locked by the locking means,

an electrical circuit actuated upon movement of the bed during a selected interval for controlling disengagement of the moving means firom engagement with the bed,

an electrical circuit actuated upon movement of the bed during the selected interval -for controlling operation of the locking means,

an electrical circuit actuated upon operation of the locking means for controlling operation of the securing means, a

an electrical conditioning circuit for initiating and 'controlling the selected interval, whereby the electrical control circuits are conditioned for operation during the selected interval, and

means for selectively actuating the electrical conditioning circuit.

9. Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors with a device, which comprises:

a movable bed,

means -for continuously moving the bed,

means for indexing the bed,

a plurality of work stations on the bed,

a nest positioned at each work station,

the nest of each work station being formed to receive the device therein with terminations of the device being exposed,

the nest being formed to receive and resiliently support a plurality of conductors having exposed ends resting in the terminations of the device,

means for securing the conductor ends with the terminations,

means for continuously moving the bed during an interval when the devices and conductors are being assembled at each work station,

means for indexing the bed during a selected interval,

and 7 means responsive to the indexing of the bed during the selected interval for operating the securing means between successive indexing movements of the bed.

10. Apparatus tor assembling and securing conductors with a device, which comprises:

a movable bed,

a plurality of work stations on the bed,

each Work station including a nest formed for supporting the device with exposed terminations and formed for resiliently supporting a plurality of spaced conductors having exposed ends resting in the terminations of the device,

meansfor securing the exposed conductor ends with the terminations of the device,

a manually adjustable two-position actuator attached to the bed for controlling indexable movement of the bed in the second position,

means for continuously moving the bed when the actuator is in the first position,

means responsive to the movement of the actuator with the bed subsequent to movement of the actuator to the second position for indexing the bed during a selected interval, and

means responsive to the indexing of the bed for operating the securing means subsequent to each indexing movement of the bed.

12 11. Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors with a device, which comprises:

a movable bed, a plurality of nests positioned on the bed, each nest formed to receive the device with terminations of the device being exposed, each nest formed to receive and resiliently support a plurality of conductors wherein exposed ends of the conductors rest in the exposed terminations of the device, means for applying a bonding material onto each assembled exposed conductor end and device termination, whereby the conductor end is secured to the termination, means for continuously moving the bed adjacent a loading position during an interval wherein the conductors are assembled with the terminations of the device at each nest, means for indexing the bed during a selected interval other than the interval for continuously moving the bed, and means responsive to the indexing of the bed during the selected interval for operating the bonding material applying means between successive indexing movements of the bed. 12. Apparatus for assembling and securing conductors with a device, which comprises:

a movable bed having spaced depressions formed in an edge thereof,

plurality of nests carried on the bed,

each nest formed to receive the device with terminations of the device being exposed,

each nest formed to receive and resiliently support a plurality of conductors wherein exposed ends of the conductors rest in the exposed terminations of the device,

means for applying a bonding material about the assemlbled exposed conductor ends anddevice terminations, whereby the conductor ends are secured to the terminations,

a detent for-med for reception with respective depressions of the bed edge for locking the bed in a position, whereby one of thenests is adjacent the bonding material applying means,

means for moving the detent into engagement with the depressions of the bed edge,

means for continuously moving the bed adjacent a loading position during an interval wherein the conductors are assembled with the terminations of the device at each nest, i

means for indexing the bed during a selected interval other than the interval for continuously moving the bed,

means responsive to the indexing of the bed during the selected interval for operating the detent moving means, whereby the detent "is moved into engagement with respective depressions of the bed edge between successive indexing movement-s of the bed, and

means responsive to movement of the detent during the selected interval for operating the solder applymg means.

I References Cited by the Examiner v UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,750,312 3/1930 Emmert 228-20 1,910,687 5/1933 Freeburg 228-45 3,025,817 3/1962 Switch 228-33 M. L. FAIGUS, Examiner. 

1. APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING AND SECURING CONDUCTORS TO A DEVICE, WHICH COMPRISES: MEANS FOR RECEIVING A PLURALITY OF CONDUCTORS AND DEVICES WITH EXPOSED CONDUCTOR ENDS RESTING IN TERMINATIONS OF THE DEVICES, MOVABLE MEANS FOR SUPPORTING THE RECEIVING MEANS, MEANS ADJACENT THE SUPPORTING MEANS FOR SECURING THE ASSEMBLED CONDUCTOR ENDS WITH THE TERMINATIONS, MEANS SECURED TO THE SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PERIODICALLY ACTUATING THE SECURING MEANS, MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE MEANS SECURED TO THE SUPPORTING MEANS FOR RENDERING EFFECTIVE THE ACTUATING MEANS DURING A SELECTED INTERVAL, MEANS FOR MOVING THE SUPPORTING MEANS, WHEREBY THE RECEIVING MEANS IS MOVED ADJACENT THE SECURING MEANS AND THE RENDERING AND ACTUATING MEANS ARE MOVED, AND MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATING MEANS DURING THE SELECTED INTERVAL FOR PERIODICALLY OPERATING THE SECURING MEANS DURING THE INTERVAL. 